Buying guide: 5 Best Windows tablets: top Windows slates reviewed

Best Windows tablets

Microsoft’s been pushing tablet computers for the best part of a decade, so you can imagine how happy the success of the iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy Note series, the short line of Google Nexus slates and other great tablets makes the software maker feel.

But Microsoft doesn’t give up easily, and Windows tablets have been trickling out since Windows 8 first introduced touched controls. The focus on tablets that can double as PC has only been getting bigger as with Window 10’s upcoming release. The range of devices with is huge from simple slates to fully convertible laptop-tablet hybrids, including those where keyboards slide out from beneath the screen, as well as those with styluses and detachable keyboards. We’ve even seen tablet/all-in-one hybrids.

There’s as much variety in Windows tablet world as there is to the plethora of tablets running other operating systems.

Now the question is what sort of Windows-powered tablet do you want. Are you looking for something mainly as a reading device, perhaps a dedicated Hearthstone, typing out documents on your commute or sketching ideas for a new artwork?

To help you decide, here’s a rundown of the best Windows tablets that we’ve reviewed so far.

The Surface Pro 4 is by far the best Windows 10 tablet. Though it comes at a pretty penny, it’s well worth the expense from the nearly premium built quality, perfect screen and ample power. Microsoft’s latest tablet introduces a larger and sharper screen, plus a redesigned island that makes typing feel almost as good as a real laptop. The Surface Pro 4 the tablet that really can replace your traditional laptop and this is why the it’s our Windows 10 tablet king.

Read the full review: Surface Pro 4

2. HP Spectre x2

Little extras make this remarkable Windows tablet even more exceptional

HP’s Spectre x2 bears a striking resemblance to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4. However, it’s thinner and lighter thanks to being powered by a fanless Intel Core M processor. It also comes at a more affordable price tag than Microsoft’s premium slate and with an included keyboard to boot. Equipped with an Intel Core m7 processor offers nearly the same performance as the Core i5 chip on the Surface Pro 4, while being more economical and efficient with battery life.

Getting into the world of Windows 10 convertible’s isn’t cheap unless we’re talking about the Pavilion x2. This 10-inch hybrid comes packing a surprising amount of goods considering its small size. It comes packed with a HD screen and more than enough power to get you through a simple day of web browsing and even image editing. When you’re ready kick back with some streaming media, you can pop off the 10-inch works as a portable tablet. And if you’re looking for something with a bit more screen real estate there’s the 12-inch HP Pavilion x2.

If you interested in a Surface Pro 4 but you’re worried about the 12-inch form factor being too unwieldy, the Surface 3 might be perfect for you. Sporting a smaller 10.8-inch screen and Intel Atom processor, the Surface 3 is meant to be less of a laptop replacement and more of a solid Windows 10 tablet. Though the kickstand is limited to a smaller range of motion, it’s nearly as versatile and works well with Microsoft’s nearly perfected type cover.

Starting at $700 (£437 and AU$800), the Venue Pro 7000 offers a nice balance of performance and portability in a travel-friendly size. However, unless you find yourself accessing CPU and GPU taxing apps, you might find more value in an Atom-based convertible. Going with Atom will lower your cost and give you better battery life.

For those who need power and performance, the confines of a 10.8-inch display may be too rigid to maximize productivity. Opening more than a few tabs or windows on the small display will trigger claustrophobia. If you need to be more productive, there are bigger convertible options, like the Surface Pro 3, to choose from that may fit that need better.